Are there any benefits of Whole foods for Pets too?

Today's post takes a different approach - we're focusing on human nutrition rather than pet nutrition. Why? Because I want us to think critically together about the food choices we make every day for the entire family including our furry ones!

Here's a thought-provoking question:

When health experts emphasize whole foods for humans, why don't we see the same recommendations for our pets?

​This isn't just another dietary trend - there's compelling scientific evidence behind why minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods are fundamentally better for human biology. Let's talk about nutrition for us first.

What are Whole Foods and Fortified Processed Foods

​Before we dive in, let's clarify what we mean by these terms:

• Whole foods are foods that are minimally processed and don't contain added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Examples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
• Fortified processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state and have had vitamins and minerals added to them. Examples include breakfast cereals, energy bars, and some types of bread.

Now, let's explore why whole foods are considered better for our health.

Better Nutrient Absorption: The Bioavailability Factor

​One of the main reasons whole foods are superior is their higher bioavailability. Bioavailability means how well our bodies can absorb and use the nutrients in food. Whole foods generally have better bioavailability than fortified processed foods. When we eat whole foods, our bodies recognize and process the nutrients more easily. This is because whole foods contain nutrients in their natural form, along with other helpful compounds that aid in absorption.

​For example, when you eat an orange, you're not just getting vitamin C. You're also getting fiber, other vitamins, and compounds called bioflavonoids that help your body absorb and use the vitamin C better. On the other hand, fortified processed foods often contain synthetic vitamins and minerals.

​These synthetic nutrients might not be absorbed as well by our bodies. Some studies have shown that our bodies might only absorb a small portion of these added nutrients.

Safety First: The Long-Term Health Benefits of Whole Foods

​Another important reason to choose whole foods is safety. While fortified processed foods aren't necessarily unsafe in the short term, there are concerns about their long-term effects on our health. Synthetic vitamins, which are often used in fortified foods, can sometimes cause problems if taken in large amounts over a long time.

​For example, too much synthetic vitamin A can lead to liver damage. Too much iron can cause stomach problems and, in severe cases, organ damage. Whole foods, on the other hand, rarely cause these problems.

​Our bodies are designed to process and use nutrients from whole foods efficiently. Even if we eat a lot of a certain whole food, our bodies usually know how to handle the extra nutrients without causing harm. Moreover, whole foods have been linked to numerous long-term health benefits. People who eat more whole foods tend to have lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. They also often maintain a healthier weight and have better digestive health.

The Power of Teamwork: Nutrient Synergy in Whole Foods

​One of the most fascinating aspects of whole foods is something called nutrient synergy. This is a fancy way of saying that nutrients in whole foods work together as a team to benefit our health. In whole foods, nutrients don't work alone. They interact with each other in ways that make them more powerful. It's like a superhero team where each member has their own special power, but when they work together, they're even stronger!

​For example, when you eat spinach (which has iron) with lemon juice (which has vitamin C), your body can absorb the iron much better. This is because vitamin C helps your body use iron more effectively. This kind of teamwork happens naturally in whole foods but is often missing in fortified processed foods.

Easy on the Tummy: Digestibility of Whole Foods

​Another advantage of whole foods is that they're often easier for our bodies to digest. Whole foods contain fiber, which is crucial for good digestion. Fiber helps move food through our digestive system and feeds the good bacteria in our gut. Processed foods, even when fortified, often lack fiber. They can also contain additives and preservatives that might irritate our digestive system. Some people find that they have fewer stomach problems when they eat more whole foods and fewer processed foods.

The Long Game: Whole Foods and Long-Term Health

​When it comes to our health, we need to think about the long game. It's not just about how we feel today, but how our food choices affect our health in the years to come. Research has shown that people who eat more whole foods tend to live longer and healthier lives. They have lower risks of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. They also tend to maintain a healthier weight and have better mental health.

​On the other hand, diets high in processed foods, even fortified ones, have been linked to higher risks of these health problems. While fortified foods might provide some specific nutrients, they often lack the overall nutritional package that whole foods offer.

The Curiosity Factor: What Else is in Our Food?

​Here's something to make you curious: Did you know that scientists are still discovering new compounds in whole foods? These compounds, called phytochemicals, aren't vitamins or minerals, but they can have powerful effects on our health.

For example, scientists have found compounds in broccoli that may help prevent certain types of cancer. They've discovered substances in berries that could protect our brains as we age. And they're learning about compounds in whole grains that might help control blood sugar.

​The exciting thing is that we probably haven't discovered all the beneficial compounds in whole foods yet. When we choose whole foods, we're not just getting the nutrients we know about – we're also getting a whole world of potentially beneficial substances that scientists are still exploring.

Let's Pause and Reflect

When you consider dogs and cats, does it make evolutionary sense that they're biologically designed to thrive on highly processed, fortified diets? The answer is clearly NO.

While "nutritionally balanced" formulas are important, most commercial pet foods rely heavily on synthetic vitamins and minerals to achieve this balance. In my experience, I regularly see:
- Pets with chronic gastrointestinal issues
- Younger animals developing cancer
- Unexplained cases of persistent allergies
If we acknowledge that whole foods are better for human health, shouldn't we consider that minimally processed options - those closer to a natural diet - might also benefit our pets? I'll leave you with this thought as you reflect on your pet's next meal.